{
  "abstract": "Introduction The utility of brain MRI in dementia diagnosis offers critical insights into structural brain changes, such as hippocampal and thalamic atrophy, which are hallmark features of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias . However, its use, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is affected by limited accessibility. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic utility, feasibility and challenges of integrating brain MRI for dementia diagnosis in LMICs.Methods and analysis The review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols with a priori eligibility criteria and is registered in PROSPERO. Searches (from inception to September 2025) will be run in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO, with supplementary bibliography screening. Adults ≥50 years in LMIC settings undergoing brain MRI for dementia evaluation will be eligible. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where appropriate, via random-effects meta-analysis with planned subgroup analyses by MRI approach (qualitative vs quantitative), magnet strength, sequence availability and reference standard. Screening and data extraction are planned for 1 November to 30 December 2025.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from the Makerere University School of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (Mak-SOMREC; Ref Mak-SOMREC-2022-337). For verification, contact the SOMREC Administrator at rresearch9@gmail.com. Departmental contact: Dr Geoffrey Erem, Head, Department of Radiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (dreremgeoffrey@gmail.com). Only published data will be used, with no new patient contact. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and policy briefs (and, where feasible, mainstream media) to inform clinical practice and training in LMICs.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024510241.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Radiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Rita Nassanga"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Psychiatry, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Central Region, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Noeline Nakasujja"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroradiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Stephen E Jones"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Radiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Aloysius G Mubuuke"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Martha Sajatovic"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Kamada Lwere"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Radiology, Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Kampala, Central Region, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Michael Grace Kawooya"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Moses Ocan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Mark Kaddumukasa"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Brain MRI for the diagnosis of dementia in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of diagnostic utility and imaging findings",
  "uid": "fb1d8373-d4d9-546e-a9af-b4ba4c408f22"
}